Water Services Manager

Job Summary Lead Essential Infrastructure. Shape the Future of Water Service. The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced Water Services Manager to lead municipal water distribution and metering operations that serve our community every day. You’ll direct a skilled team, oversee regulatory compliance, and help shape the future of the City's water infrastructure through system improvements, capital planning, and sound operational management. This is an opportunity for an established water utility professional to bring technical expertise and leadership to decisions that protect public health and strengthen long-term system reliability. From serving as the IEPA-required Responsible Operator in Charge to developing infrastructure improvements and managing budgets and consultant contracts, you’ll have a direct role in keeping an essential public service operating safely and effectively. Benefits We support our employees with a strong package that includes:
• Competitive

Benefits:
14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Relocation Reimbursement: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development.

Key Responsibilities
Operations & Regulatory Compliance
• Manage daily water utility operations and maintenance of the municipal water distribution system ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Serve as " Responsible Operator in Charge" per Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements
• Process and submit IEPA operation permits for new and replacement water main projects
• Submit required reports for the Illinois Lead Service Replacement and Notification Act
• Monitor the City’s financial management system, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and work order software daily; assist with system updates Leadership & Team Management
• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of water distribution and water metering staff through effective public works leadership
• Perform personnel functions including hiring, discipline, counseling, training, and performance evaluations
• Inspect division work to ensure task completion, quality standards, and adherence to safety practices
• Address employee concerns and issues in a confidential, professional manner Planning & Infrastructure Development
• Research technical data and drawings to recommend water infrastructure improvements including new main installation, pipe sizing, materials, and equipment modifications
• Develop and recommend programs, procedures, and policies to coordinate distribution system operations with water treatment operations
• Administer consultant contracts for municipal operations projects, making recommendations on scope of work and monitoring contractor compliance with specifications Budget & Administrative Management
• Prepare and monitor division budget expenditures and recommend capital improvement projects
• Prepare specifications for purchasing materials and services; maintain inventory of equipment and supplies
• Maintain comprehensive records, reports, and files related to water distribution operations Stakeholder Engagement
• Meet with citizens, consulting firms, engineers, vendors, contractors, and other City personnel to exchange information and resolve issues
• Communicate courteously and diplomatically with the public and internal stakeholders Qualifications And Preferred Skills Education & Certification
• Associate's degree required; bachelor's degree preferred in civil or sanitary engineering, business or public administration, biology, engineering technology, management, or related field
• Illinois Class "D" Water Operator's license (obtainable within one year); Class "C" preferred
• Valid Illinois Driver's License Experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience in water distribution system operations serving a population of 50,000 or greater preferred
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience required Technical Knowledge & Skills
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing municipal water distribution system operations
• Expert understanding of water mains, distribution infrastructure, equipment, construction standards, and practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions in water operations, including underground utilities and confined spaces
• Proficiency with personal computers, iPad, Microsoft Office applications, GIS, AMI, and other proprietary software Professional Competencies
• Skill in directing, supervising, coordinating, and evaluating water distribution operations and personnel
• Ability to prepare and maintain division reports, records, specifications, purchase orders, and budgets
• Strong capability in water utility management including planning and developing programs, procedures, and policies for system upgrades
• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills
• Proven ability to research technical manuals and drawings and recommend equipment improvements
• Skill in communicating with the City’s water customers. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered. Sponsorship for Employment The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis. Residency Requirement Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer. More Details Why Decatur?
• A Place You Can Afford: Named the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.
S. for 2025–2026 by U.
S. News & World Report, Decatur offers a low cost of living and attainable housing.
• Central Illinois, Close to Everywhere: Located within driving distance of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, Decatur offers convenient access to major cities while maintaining a community feel.
• Room to Get Outside: Lake Decatur and more than 2,000 acres of parks and trails offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
• Arts, Culture & Entertainment: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performances at Millikin University, shows at the historic Lincoln Theatre, and a growing public art scene.
• Something for the Whole Family: From Scovill Zoo and Splash Cove Waterpark to Overlook Adventure Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together.
• A Strong Employment Community: Decatur is home to major employers including ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital. Come build your career, contribute to the community, and enjoy what Decatur has to offer. To Apply Ready to put your water utility expertise to work leading essential infrastructure? Apply today to lead water distribution operations, direct a skilled team, and influence infrastructure improvements that support safe, reliable water service for our community. We welcome your application and look forward to learning how your qualifications align with this position. Take the next step by submitting your application for consideration. Complete an application at the link below with all requested relevant information. Incomplete applications will be rejected. All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana. SICK LEAVE: 10 days of sick leave credit on first day of employment; thereafter 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 240 days VACATION: After completion of six months of continuous service, 5 duty days; 3 weeks after 1 year of service; 4 weeks after 10 years of service; 5 weeks after 20 years of service; 1 additional duty day per year after 25 years of service (to a maximum of 30 duty days) HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Labor Day Martin Luther King's Birthday Veterans Day Presidents' Day Thanksgiving Day Good Friday Day After Thanksgiving Juneteenth Christmas Eve (half day) Memorial Day Christmas Day Independence Day Two Unscheduled Holidays PENSION: Employees of the City of Decatur contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) at the rate of 4.5% per pay. The City of Decatur also contributes a percentage for the employee each pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement. OTHER: The City offers a three-tier health insurance plan for employees and their dependents. Employees contribute toward the monthly premium for single coverage and/or family coverage through payroll deduction. The City provides a life insurance policy at one times the annualized salary plus an additional $5,000 at no cost to the employee. Dependent coverage is offered. Employees may purchase additional term life on a voluntary basis. Employees also may purchase additional term life insurance sponsored by IMRF. Employees may contribute to a Flexible Spending Account for Medical and/or Dependent Care Expenses. Employees may participate in a voluntary group dental and vision insurance plan. Deferred compensation is also available. To learn more details click here to view policy F-101.